Ocean Harvest Technology, a global company producing patent-protected animal feed solutions centered on the bioactive ingredients present in different seaweeds, has launched OceanFeed Swine in North America.

“As the first patented, all-natural, seaweed-based, animal feed ingredient, OceanFeed is already being utilized by farmers around the world to improve the health of animals and we are delighted to be officially bringing OceanFeed Swine to North America,” said Patrick Martin, co-founder and CEO of Ocean Harvest Technology.

With pork and livestock producers learning to get along without using antibiotics for animal growth and feed efficiency after the Veterinary Feed Directive took effect with the new year, the best alternative may exist within seaweed.

The Veterinary Feed Directive became effective in January. It intends to sharply reduce — and in some cases eliminate — the use of antibiotics in pigs, cattle and chickens, except for medicinal purposes under the direction of a veterinarian. As a result, the meat industry was suddenly in need of a company like Ocean Harvest Technology to find a natural, cost-effective way to improve and sustain livestock health.

...if seaweed really does have the kind of benefits that companies like Ocean Harvest increasingly suggest, it could be a renewable food source with major implications for the environmental foodprint of animal agriculture. “Harvesting seaweed is like cutting your lawn,” Dr. Kraan notes in an article on the company’s site. “It always grows back.”

Pork producers looking to protect the health of their animals, and possibly reduce the use of antibiotics at the same time, should look to the ocean – or more specifically to seaweed, according to the developers of a new feed. Ocean Harvest Technology has announced the launch of OceanFeed Swine in North America, a patented, all-natural, seaweed-based animal feed ingredient. According to Ocean Harvest Technology, OceanFeed provides immune support, improves feed intake and increases production, weight gain and fertility in multiple species.

February 16, 2017 —Chicago, Illinois/Milltown, Ireland —Ocean Harvest Technology, a global company producing patent-protected animal feed solutions centered on the bioactive ingredients present in different seaweeds, today announced the launch of its flagship product OceanFeed Swine™ in North America.

“As the first patented, all-natural, seaweed-based, animal feed ingredient, OceanFeed is already being utilized by farmers around the world to improve the health of animals and we are delighted to be officially bringing OceanFeed Swine to North America,” said Patrick Martin, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ocean Harvest Technology. “Innovative approaches to improving animal health are critical to the future of the food industry and OceanFeed is the first natural, cost-effective tool of its kind that helps solve many of the most pressing issues.”

“I have dedicated more than 25 years of my life to study the 13,000 types of seaweed in our oceans and have isolated a specific group that, in certain blends, harness the amazing bioactive properties of seaweed to improve animal health and nutrition,” explained Dr. Stefan Kraan, Co-Founder and Scientific Director of Ocean Harvest Technology. “Introducing OceanFeed to animals’ diets has been proven to significantly improve the gut health and immune system and is a natural alternative for certain antibiotics and growth promoters used in the animal feed sector.”

By significantly improving the gut health and immune system of the animals, OceanFeed Swine™ delivers:

A 100% natural, sustainable product

Reduced need for antibiotics and selective growth promoters

Significant improvement in animal health and welfare due to more effective nutrient uptake

“In my roles as a pork producer, a scientist, and a leader in the U.S. swine industry I am well aware of the need for new tools to improve the efficiency and health of our livestock,” explained Dr. David Newman PhD, Farmer and Co-Owner of Newman Farm Heritage Berkshire Pork, and Associate Professor of Animal Sciences at Arkansas State University. “I was initially skeptical about OHT’s claims, but our data indicates that OceanFeed Swine has a positive impact on gut health and immunity, without affecting performance or pork quality. The new Veterinary Feed Directive from the FDA is changing the landscape for swine production and animal health management in the U.S., and I believe that OHT has created a valuable tool that could be adopted across the industry. Simply put, OceanFeed Swine improves gut health and improving gut health improves pig performance.”

Dr. Newman added, “Millions of swine face health issues in the U.S. every year, creating substantial additional costs for producers including, purchasing pharmaceuticals, additional labor, and veterinary oversight. I believe many producers would use a non-antibiotic feed ingredient, at a reasonable cost, to prevent such health challenges. I have personally seen improvements in swine herds from the use of OceanFeed Swine and use it in my own operation.”

Widespread environmental and health concerns have spurred demand for natural and sustainable farm products produced without the use of growth hormones, antibiotics, or other synthetics. The FDA has recently taken steps to change how medically important antibiotics can be used in the feed and water of livestock. In passing the VFD, the FDA aims to ensure that these drugs can only be administered by a veterinarian, when needed, for specific animal health purposes. By improving animal gut health, Ocean Harvest Technology’s OceanFeed™ significantly reduces the need for antibiotics and growth promoters, allowing farmers to comply with the new VFD requirements.

About Ocean Harvest Technology

Ocean Harvest Technology (OHT) is a global company that produces animal feed solutions based on a variety of patented formulas centered on the bioactive ingredients present in different seaweeds. The Company provides a range of natural ingredients focused on improving the health of animals, the environment, and the consumer. Founded in 2005 by Dr. Stefan Kraan and Patrick Martin, Ocean Harvest Technology has operations in Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. For more information please visit www.oceanharvest.ie.

About OceanFeed™

OceanFeed™ is the first patented, all-natural, seaweed-based animal feed ingredient that has been proven to significantly reduce the need for antibiotics and growth promoters in the animal feed sector. OceanFeed™ formulations were specially selected for their benefits to animal gut health and nutrient uptake. It has been proven to provide immune support, improve quality, and reduce or eradicate the need for many chemicals and antibiotics used today. OceanFeed™ improves feed intake and increases production, weight gain, and fertility in multiple species.